penny lane wrote:? no hope the winter classic can be saved? I am asking because I think the NHL hates giving up that 1/1/2013 day of coverage.

Awfully short notice, Penny. Even if they got something done before we get into our footie pajamas tonight, I think it's too short notice to pull off. I don't think they're quite ready to sign anything yet...

There is a 48-game schedule that I'm aware of out there...not sure that it would include any glitz or glamour like the Winter Classic though. You're right though, it would be nice to woo some attention in the midst of college football's all month bowl-a-rama...you sleep in the bed you make, or however that saying goes...

darkstar57 wrote:So here is my question, if this deal happens without Bettman and Fehr in the room, how long do they last in their respective position.

Also, are we seeing a new way for the CBA to be negotiated, directly between the owners and the players with open and fair dialog? No more middle men?

I'm very optimistic right now because of a combo of things I'm hearing and actually not hearing.

But you pose a great question. If a few people got in a room and chatted for a few hours to get a deal done where do the problem actually lie. If the league gets a lot of what it wanted and some contract stipulations we know the problem was Fehr.......and vice versa.

darkstar57 wrote:So here is my question, if this deal happens without Bettman and Fehr in the room, how long do they last in their respective position.

Also, are we seeing a new way for the CBA to be negotiated, directly between the owners and the players with open and fair dialog? No more middle men?

Both will stay in their position, at least Bettman IMO. There is a lot more to their jobs than negotiating a new CBA every 6 years, especially for Bettman, who I think has done a pretty good overall job.

darkstar57 wrote:So here is my question, if this deal happens without Bettman and Fehr in the room, how long do they last in their respective position.

Also, are we seeing a new way for the CBA to be negotiated, directly between the owners and the players with open and fair dialog? No more middle men?

I'm very optimistic right now because of a combo of things I'm hearing and actually not hearing.

But you pose a great question. If a few people got in a room and chatted for a few hours to get a deal done where do the problem actually lie. If the league gets a lot of what it wanted and some contract stipulations we know the problem was Fehr.......and vice versa.

I would also after the last lockout, it took as similair type thing with players and owners going directly to each other.

Also the NHL COO John Collins the man who came up with the winter classic and has really help grow with teh game with sponsors is not happy with the way teh lockout was handled and being shut out.

I think he'd make a great commissioner, he is great with the sponsor, has great ideas for the game, he is a business men yes, but he is smart enough to turn over the hockey operations to smart people and let them run it

darkstar57 wrote:So here is my question, if this deal happens without Bettman and Fehr in the room, how long do they last in their respective position.

Also, are we seeing a new way for the CBA to be negotiated, directly between the owners and the players with open and fair dialog? No more middle men?

I'm very optimistic right now because of a combo of things I'm hearing and actually not hearing.

But you pose a great question. If a few people got in a room and chatted for a few hours to get a deal done where do the problem actually lie. If the league gets a lot of what it wanted and some contract stipulations we know the problem was Fehr.......and vice versa.

I would also after the last lockout, it took as similair type thing with players and owners going directly to each other.

Also the NHL COO John Collins the man who came up with the winter classic and has really help grow with teh game with sponsors is not happy with the way teh lockout was handled and being shut out.

I think he'd make a great commissioner, he is great with the sponsor, has great ideas for the game, he is a business men yes, but he is smart enough to turn over the hockey operations to smart people and let them run it

I hear ya, it's just the last lockout was such a needed drastic change and a week ago mediators even said the sides were so far apart. I'm equally excited for hockey and curious as to what could have possibly been said in the meeting yesterday.

Don't know much about the guy you are talking about. Interesting haven't seen his name much if he is that high up.

Dreger: Many still remain skeptical about a resolution. Not just about giving a little bit, both sides have to give a lot. Maybe league is willing to go to sliding scale (58-42, etc, etc) Fundamentally there are still large gaps in the negotiation. Worst case scenario is getting game back on ice mid-January.

Lebrun: Both sides grinding it out. This session tonight is "very delicate". There could be setbacks. Governors told today league is working on 5-6 different schedules if deal next 7-10. Could be up to 56-58 games. 60 games is pushing it. They could play into Late June but no interconference play. Pittsburgh owner is going to be tested tonight, even though he was credited with the meeting yesterday.

McKenzie: Progress is moving very very slowly. As much as there are many people that want a deal done, there are many others on both sides that DON'T want a deal done right now.

darkstar57 wrote:So here is my question, if this deal happens without Bettman and Fehr in the room, how long do they last in their respective position.

As far as I know Fehr (Don) is retiring after this is through anyway. His brother is taking over. Bettman, however, I'm not getting into it but I feel he's done more good than harm, even with 3 lockouts under his watch.

I think the players came away from the last meeting to happy and optimistic, Fehr advised them to play it cool, and to make it seem like they want to make a deal, but they are just not going to sign anything put in front of them.